Darol I. Smith

Darol Irwin Smith

July 15, 1934 - October 14, 2021

Darol Smith passed away peacefully on October 14 at his home in Napa. He is survived by his wife Elena, his children Kelli (Richard), Lloyd, David, Danielle (Adam) and Greg, his bonus children Brian (Chelsea), Samantha (Eric) and Michael, his brother Henry (Leslie), 12 grandchildren, and 7 great grandchildren. Darol was born in Petaluma to Margaret (nee Anderton) and Irwin Smith. He was raised in San Francisco, and was a Lincoln High graduate, and an SF police officer. After retiring from the SFPD, Darol spent years as a private investigator and doing corporate and private security. During his time at Ligouri Associates, he met the love of his life Elena, to whom he was married for the last 22 years.

He was a dedicated animal lover — so proud of his llamas, mini horses, chickens and his 3 Bichon Frise dogs.

Sports was his lifelong passion, and he was inducted into the Lincoln HS Athletic Hall of Fame in 2004. He never missed watching a Giants or Warriors game and was a 49ers season ticket holder for over 40 years, attending the last game at Candlestick and first game at Levi’s Stadium.

He was an avid and talented golfer. He played some of the most prestigious courses in the world, including St. Andrews with his son in 2012. He shot his age multiple times and collected thousands of golf balls over the years. Darol coached for almost 70 years, starting as a 16 year old in youth sports in San Francisco and then in schools across Marin, Sonoma and Napa counties. Finally being dragged away at age 85. He has impacted the lives of thousands of players and their families across the years.

The family is planning a Celebration of Life on Saturday, November 27 (3pm) at Terra Linda High School. Please join us in celebrating Coach Smith in his favorite location, a gymnasium.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to The 49ers Foundation or Sunrise Horse Rescue.